This week Polestar offered at look at its next model—the Polestar 3—giving the world a glimpse at a still-camouflaged electric SUV that will arrive on sale relatively soon. Set to be produced in the United States, the Polestar 3 will set its sights on other electric SUVs on the market in 2022, including those from Audi, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, and Tesla.

The battery-electric model that will follow the market debut of the Polestar 2 will be built at Volvo's current plant in Charleston, South Carolina. The plant is also scheduled to start producing the successor to the Volvo XC90 SUV next year, which will be available in battery-electric form.

The electric sport utility is expected to give Polestar a wider audience in the states and in other EV markets that have largely been dominated by offerings from Tesla for most of the past decade.
"We will build in America for Americans," said Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO. "Polestar 3 is planned to be launched in 2022 as a premium electric performance SUV that will define the look of SUVs in the electric age. It will also be the first Polestar vehicle to be built in America."

Polestar isn't sharing the powertrain specs of the Polestar 3 just yet, but it's worth noting that the Polestar 2 sedan is powered by a 78-kWh battery, which gives the sedan a 249-mile EPA-rated range in dual-motor, long-range flavor.

The automaker—which started out as a third-party Volvo tuner before being recast as an EV-only brand, with a few steps in between—hasn't indicated how much the Polestar 3 will cost once it arrives on sale next year, but the model is expected to be priced comparably to luxury electric models resting north of the $50,000 mark.

"We are not a virtual company waiting to build factories and sell cars; we are an actual company already building and selling cars around the world," added Ingenlath. "Our two award-winning cars are on the road in 14 markets globally and we expect our global sales volume to reach around 29,000 vehicles this year."

At the moment it's the Polestar 2 sedan that accounts for that 29,000 projected sales volume, before the arrival of other offerings. But the company aims to multiply that output by a factor of 10 by 2025, by which time a total of four Polestar models will be on sale.

Usually, when we receive images of prototype vehicles wearing a camouflage wrap, they're snapped on the fly by a spy photographer. While often quite good, those images can sometimes be lacking in detail and clarity. So when Polestar released an official, high-resolution image of a Polestar 3 prototype wearing just a camouflage body wrap, we knew it was perfect for creating a detailed rendering to preview the production model.

As such, our exclusive rendering of the 2023 Polestar 3 featured here is unofficial. But it's based on Polestar's official image, and with the camouflage wrap digitally removed, there's actually quite a bit to see. It starts with some curious symmetry at play on the front clip, with the intake on the lower fascia a close match in size and shape to the grille. Corner vents also bear some similarities to the headlights and housings further up, and the overall effect is satisfying if a bit dull.

Moving further back, a close look at the prototype shows something raised beneath the camouflage on the base of the doors, above the lower rocker. We interpret this as a strip of cladding, possibly the same color as the rocker to give the Polestar 3 a slightly rugged flavor. That certainly is a trend these days with SUVs that trend closer to the crossover world, and it doesn't look out-of-place on the Polestar 3.

Another trend is the floating roof, and we aren't just creating one here for the fun of it. The official photo shows a visible body line under the camo wrap in that area, and we've chosen to black it out as opposed to making it chrome. For that matter, we have all the exterior trim on our rendering blacked out, as that's also a hot trend with automakers. It could also be appropriate for the Polestar 3, as Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath calls it "a premium electric performance SUV that will define the look of SUVs in the electric age."

What kind of performance is he talking about? That's still a mystery, though we know it will have single-motor and dual-motor options. We also know it will be a two-row SUV, as its swooping roofline doesn't offer headroom for even a tiny third seat. It will also be built at Volvo's factory in South Carolina and share space with the XC90, which means it likely shares some components as well. However, Polestar promises its first SUV will be a standalone vehicle.

An official debut will take place at some point in 2022, likely as a 2023 model.

Polestar is working on at least two new products, which will join its model range very soon. One of these models is the brand’s first electric SUV scheduled to debut in October this year. There’s a new teaser image previewing that vehicle and it is already shaping up as a very serious contender in the rapidly growing electric SUV segment. This is our first official look at the new high-riding electric vehicle with no camouflage.

Polestar sees huge potential in this segment, which is currently one of the highest margin and fastest-growing segments in the automotive industry. The Polestar 3 will be manufactured in the United States and China with the first examples planned to hit the assembly lines early next year. Customers will be able to put an order right after its premiere in October.

Not all tech aspects of the performance EV SUV are known, though Polestar says it will rely on a dual-motor electric system powered by a large battery for a targeted range between two charges of over 372 miles (600 kilometers). Bear in mind that these figures are based on Europe’s generally more generous WLTP testing cycle.

“Polestar 3 is the SUV for the electric age,” Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO, comments. “Our design identity evolves with this high-end large luxury EV, with a strong, individual brand character. With this car, we bring the ‘sport’ back to the SUV, staying true to our performance roots.”

From what we know so far, the Polestar 3 will be also available in a single-motor version as a more affordable alternative to the range-topping models. In general, the EV SUV will be positioned as a more expensive and more luxurious product than the next-gen Volvo XC90, with which it will share its platform. The Polestar 3, however, will be powered by exclusive powertrains that are not going to be available on the XC90.

The Polestar 3 is a part of the brand’s plans for expansion, which includes increasing its presence to at least 30 global markets by the end of next year. By the middle of the decade, the automaker wants to grow ten-fold in terms of global sales from about 29,000 vehicles in 2021 to 290,000 sales in 2025.

In general, the EV SUV will be positioned as a more expensive and more luxurious product than the next-gen Volvo XC90, with which it will share its platform.

The Polestar 3 debuts October 3, the same day orders open for the battery-electric SUV repeatedly pitched against the Porsche Cayenne. The comparisons were correct, based on comments from Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath at the Automotive News Europe Congress. He said his brand's first SUV will start at 75,000 euros and top out around 110,000 euros. Because the euro and U.S. dollar are almost even, prices will probably be similar in dollars, meaning a range of about $75,650 to $110,950. The 2022 Porsche Cayenne starts at $73,650, the Cayenne GTS — six trims below the flagship Turbo GT — starts at $114,550.

This means that, as with the Cayenne, the 3 is likely to be dimensionally and financially between the Tesla Model Y and Model X. The Model Y Performance is seven inches shorter than a Cayenne and starts at $69,990, the Model X in dual-motor AWD trim is five inches longer than a Cayenne and starts at $120,990.

We don't have specs on the 3 yet, but we do know it will pack a two-motor powertrain. In the $53,300 Polestar 2 liftback sedan with dual motors, output comes to 408 horsepower and 487 pound-feet of torque standard, hitting 60 miles per hour in 4.6 seconds. Those figures can be upgraded to 476 hp and 502 lb-ft for buyers who select the Performance Pack, the 60-mph sprint coming down to 4.2 seconds. The Cayennes in the same price bracket max out at 455 hp and 516 lb-ft of combined output on the Cayenne E-Hybrid, the Porsche needing 4.7 seconds to reach 60 mph when equipped with the Sport Chrono Package. All of which is to say the template has already been established for challenging a Porsche, so we wouldn't be surprised if the 3 is even more potent. If Polestar hits its range estimate of 372 miles on the WLTP cycle, our version could do better than 300 miles on the EPA testing regimen.

The 3 goes into production later this year alongside the coming battery-electric Volvo XC90 replacement, thought to be called the Embla. Polestar will double its attack on the Germans next year with the Porsche Macan-rivaling Polestar 4.

Polestar has announced that its highly anticipated Polestar 3 SUV will be unveiled on October 12, at an exclusive event held in the Danish capital of Copenhagen. Ahead of the reveal, the Swedish automaker has shared some exciting details about the BMX iX rival but, before we get to that, what will it cost? Previously, CEO Thomas Ingenlath said customers can expect the pricing to range between $76,000 and $111,000.

But the UK's Auto Express has uncovered final pricing ahead of the launch, giving us an even better idea of what American customers will pay. As per the publication, the entry-level Long Range variant will be priced at £79,845 (approx. $85,300) while the sportier Performance model will set British buyers back £85,445 (approx. $91,300).

If a similar pricing strategy is applied in the United States, the Polestar 3 Long Range (LR) will be slightly more expensive than the BMW iX xDrive50 ($84,100) but considerably cheaper than a base Tesla Model X ($120,990). How does it stack up against these more established rivals?

We'll get a better idea of what it's like once it's revealed, but it seems to offer comparable performance and range. The LR has plenty of power, with 489 horsepower and 619 lb-ft of torque up for grabs. Thanks to the dual-electric motors, power is sent to all four wheels and helps the SUV hit 62 mph in five seconds. The top speed is pegged at 130 mph.

More importantly, it seems Polestar has over-delivered when it comes to range. Initially, it was said to offer 372 miles of driving range (on the WLTP cycle) but earlier reports revealed the LR can travel up to 380 miles between charges. We anticipate US figures will be lower.

The BMW iX xDrive50 offers superior performance and an EPA-certified 324 miles of maximum range. The pricier Tesla is, of course, the quickest of the lot and has an estimated range of around 330 miles. Then again, the Model X it is getting long in the tooth and carries the heaviest price tag.

A more hardcore Performance model uses the same 111-kWh battery as the Long Range version, but the motors have been tuned to produce an impressive 509 hp and 671 lb-ft of torque.

The 0-62 mph time is cut short by 0.3 seconds, but you have to sacrifice 32 miles of range for sprightlier acceleration. At least charging shouldn't take too long. Both models will be able to charge at the same rate and, when plugged into a 250-kW charger, the electric SUVs need just 30 minutes to recharge from 10 - 80%,

Polestar notes the Performance model will also receive model-specific tuning for the active dampers and air suspension, along with the brand's signature gold detailing, seen on the seat belts, valve caps, and an interior light strip. According to Ingenlath, the Polestar 3 will provide an exciting driving experience.

"It's this instant ability to transform from a comfortable cruiser to a sharp, agile performance car in less than the blink of an eye that makes Polestar 3 special as an electric performance SUV. It also benefits from a low center of gravity and wide track for ultimate stability, and an exciting feeling behind the wheel," he said.

In terms of design, the Performance model will have a more aggressive stance and sit 0.5 inches closer to the road. The pricier, more powerful option also receives standard 22-inch wheels, whereas the Long Range variant receives 21-inch items.

It seems the automaker is determined to have a strong offering in just about every key premium segment. The Polestar 2 will remain the entry-level model (for now, at least) and will undoubtedly gain some street cred once the larger SUV and the gorgeous Polestar 6 arrives. Whether the Polestar 3 can succeed in this highly competitive segment remains to be seen, but it looks like it has the goods to succeed.

Dutch website AutoWeek has gotten a hold of Polestar 3’s specifications and other details. It says that the new electric SUV is 4.9 m (192.9 in.) long and 1.97 m (77.6 in.) wide and has a 2.99 m (117.7 in.)-long wheelbase. It offers 484 liters (17.1 cu. ft.) of cargo volume, expandable to 1,411 liters (49.8 cu. ft.) on folding down the rear seats.

Polestar (Nasdaq: PSNY) officially revealed the Polestar 3 electric performance SUV. Scandinavian minimalism and purity work together with the key ingredients of a sport utility vehicle, defining the SUV for the electric age. Polestar 3 makes the SUV not only more relevant and responsible, but also highly desirable.

"Polestar 3 is a powerful electric SUV that appeals to the senses with a distinct, Scandinavian design and excellent driving dynamics," says Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO. "It takes our manufacturing footprint to the next level, bringing Polestar production to the United States. We are proud and excited to expand our portfolio as we continue our rapid growth."

Polestar 3 premieres a new aerodynamic profile where strong focus has been placed on retaining the hallmarks of an SUV, including a powerful and wide stance. This has been led by subtle yet effective aerodynamic optimisation - including a front aero wing integrated into the bonnet, an aero wing integrated into the rear spoiler, and rear aero blades.

"This car has been designed as a Polestar from the start and features new defining characteristics for us - like the dual blade headlights, SmartZone and front aero wing," continues Thomas Ingenlath.

Materials used inside Polestar 3 have been selected for their sustainability credentials, while raising premium aesthetics and luxury tactility. These include bio-attributed MicroTech, animal welfare-certified leather and fully traceable wool upholsteries.